Josh Smith to Sign w/ Clippers

[BatManu20]

I know some you in here are worried about the Clips. Discuss.

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[Cloud786]

Good. Less shots for CP3 and Blake. Let him chuck away.

[TheGoldStandard]

I know some you in here are worried about the Clips. Discuss.

621791108591267840

He will chuck them out of games which will be fun

[illusioNtEk]

Good player but has alot of weaknesses... clippers looking strong tho

[ducks]

blake needs less shots early in game he gets gassed to early
good signing if everyone will stay happy only one ball

[baseline bum]

So they will at all times have someone on the floor to hack? :lmao

[spursistan]

Yeah, good anytime you are up against chucker with massive ego there is always the chance he will sink your opponent for you..Doc signing players who have decent /great series against him :sleep

[Silver&Black]

Hack a Jordan?

OR

Hack a Smith?


So many choices....

[benefactor]

:lol...this team just got even dumber

[SpursFan86]

He did well in Houston. He's not even going to be starting for them.

Not gonna lie, they've had a really nice offseason. Added Pierce, Stephenson, Smith, and Cole Aldrich to a bench that was absolutely dreadful last year. Stephenson might've had a terrible season last year, but he still has the potential to be a decent role player off the bench. Josh Smith showed he could be a capable roleplayer in Houston. Aldrich could be a nice bench 5.

[cd98]

Clippers are stacked.

[TheGoldStandard]

Don't worry we have Matt bonner he stretches the floor

[benefactor]

Gonna be hilarious when Blake is open under the basket late in a playoff game and he jacks up a 3.

[benefactor]

Clippers are stacked.
Still the Clippers tbh

[SAGirl]

Don't worry we have Matt bonner he stretches the floor

[BatManu20]

Josh Smith played the best basketball of his career in the playoffs for Houston last season. And he's actually not a bad piece off the bench for a team that really lacked size/depth. With that said, I still don't see any reason why we don't beat them, granted that we're healthy.

[Nathan89]

Good. Less shots for CP3 and Blake. Let him chuck away.

Yep, just give him a little space and he can't resist it.

[Chucho]

Why be scared of Tired Ol Shitbag Pierce?

Why be scared of two loose ends like Stephenson and Smith?

And lmfao...Cole Aldrich...lmfao.

And moreover, there is no need to fear a Doc Rivers coached team, unless you're a cock cucking choker like Kobe.

[Nathan89]

The only reason we would lose is if our pg decides to let their pg completely embarrass him again tbh.

[BatManu20]

Got him for the Vet Min.

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[timtonymanu]

Still the Clippers tbh

[TheGoldStandard]

Why be scared of Tired Ol Shitbag Pierce?

Why be scared of two loose ends like Stephenson and Smith?

And lmfao...Cole Aldrich...lmfao.

And moreover, there is no need to fear a Doc Rivers coached team, unless you're a cock cucking choker like Kobe.

Yeah, pop seems to give a fuck this season

[TheGoldStandard]

The only reason we would lose is if our pg decides to let their pg completely embarrass him again tbh.

I don't think "let" enters the equation.

[TD 21]

Josh Smith played the best basketball of his career in the playoffs for Houston last season. And he's actually not a bad piece off the bench for a team that really lacked size/depth. With that said, I still don't see any reason why we don't beat them, granted that we're healthy.

I don't know about best, but probably most under control (though he got more and more carried away as the playoffs wore on).

I'm sure the masses will mock this signing, because it's him and because it's them. But I agree, for the minimum, he's a clear upgrade on their third big situation in recent seasons and anyone else they could have gotten to fill that role. He can play with both Jordan and Griffin, too and even some at C, with Pierce at PF.

[benefactor]

Why be scared of Tired Ol Shitbag Pierce?

Why be scared of two loose ends like Stephenson and Smith?

And lmfao...Cole Aldrich...lmfao.

And moreover, there is no need to fear a Doc Rivers coached team, unless you're a cock cucking choker like Kobe.
Mah nigga:tu

[Spursmania]

Hack a Jordan?

OR

Hack a Smith?


So many choices....

:toast

[SpursFan86]

Am I missing something? Did the Clippers not just knock us out of the playoffs...?

I mean I'm not saying we should be terrified or anything, but I find it funny how people are acting like they're no threat at all when they just beat us in the playoffs and now they've fixed their biggest problems (wing situation + depth).

[BatManu20]

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[BatManu20]

Am I missing something? Did the Clippers not just knock us out of the playoffs...?

I mean I'm not saying we should be terrified or anything, but I find it funny how people are acting like they're no threat at all when they just beat us in the playoffs and now they've fixed their biggest problems (wing situation + depth).

I mean, we kinda got better too, ya know..

[timtonymanu]

Am I missing something? Did the Clippers not just knock us out of the playoffs...?

I mean I'm not saying we should be terrified or anything, but I find it funny how people are acting like they're no threat at all when they just beat us in the playoffs and now they've fixed their biggest problems (wing situation + depth).

It took 7 games and a game winning basket for the Clippers to beat arguably our worst roster since the 2011 team in terms of not being at our peak. Are people forgetting the offseason we had to?

[benefactor]

Am I missing something? Did the Clippers not just knock us out of the playoffs...?

I mean I'm not saying we should be terrified or anything, but I find it funny how people are acting like they're no threat at all when they just beat us in the playoffs and now they've fixed their biggest problems (wing situation + depth).
That series goes 5 games if the Spurs are healthy.

[Timothy21]

at the minimum I would have taken for us

[BatManu20]

Hack a Jordan?

OR

Hack a Smith?

So many choices....


:tu I fully expect there to be a lot of this if/when the Spurs play the Clips. This is where Bonner will earn his paycheck, tbh.

[TheGoldStandard]

The question is, will pop go full on pop and foul Jordan when we have momentum. Will he continue to play struggling players?

[TD 21]

Am I missing something? Did the Clippers not just knock us out of the playoffs...?

I mean I'm not saying we should be terrified or anything, but I find it funny how people are acting like they're no threat at all when they just beat us in the playoffs and now they've fixed their biggest problems (wing situation + depth).

People love to hate them and it's only going to increase tenfold post Jordan fiasco.

They especially love to hate Rivers. It's funny though, Van Gundy, who they worship, has done an awful job in his first two off seasons, overpaying mediocrity left and right, yet he gets a free pass and Rivers, who given the financial bind they were in, has done as good a job as possible fixing their issues, get's no credit.

[ducks]

Calvin Watkins ‏@calvinwatkins · 7m7 minutes ago
The Rockets offered Josh Smith the non-bird exception of roughly $2.5 million for the 2015-16 season.

[silverblackfan]

I am just excited to watch Pierce play an entire season in the west.

[BatManu20]

The thought of Jamal Crawford and Josh Smith chucking 3's while Deandre and Blake are calling for the ball down low in the playoffs excites me, tbh.

[DPG21920]

Who knows how it all plays out, but there is no question Clippers are better than last year talent-wise.

[ducks]

David Aldridge ‏@daldridgetnt · 20m20 minutes ago
Can confirm Josh Smith to Clippers, as reported by Real GM & others. Told he was swayed by "defined role" offered by LAC/Rivers.

[BatManu20]

Calvin Watkins ‏@calvinwatkins · 7m7 minutes ago
The Rockets offered Josh Smith the non-bird exception of roughly $2.5 million for the 2015-16 season.

Plus he's getting paid an extra $5 Million from Detroit.

[ducks]

David Aldridge ‏@daldridgetnt · 27s28 seconds ago
However the starting three shakes out for Clips (Pierce, Lance, or Smith), they'll have a much deeper bench next season.

[Cloud786]

Now while a rotation of

CP3/Rivers
Redick/Crawful
Pierce/Lance/Johnson
Blake/Smith
DJ/Aldrich

isn't too shabby, the Clippers go-to play in crunch time is the double high screen and roll with CP3/Blake/DJ, with Blake popping, DJ rolling, and CP3 reading the defense via triple threat. Now last year, we hid Parker on Barnes, and even then, we dared him to shoot, and that gamble paid off until the last game. Now given that their starting lineup is their closing lineup, and the same applies to us, who do we put Parker on? CP3 is too athletic for him, Redick is always in motion and Parker isn't above average when it comes to getting through screens, and Pierce can post him up. In the end, what I'm basically asking is, how do we defend their now well spaced (Pierce>Barnes) crunch time play?

[timvp]

Seemed like Kevin McHale was the perfect coach for him. Surprised he turned down more money to join the Clippers.

[Emperor]

Still the Clippers tbh

This is the team that eliminated the defending champs in the first round incase you forgot. Yes they choked in the next round, but they matchup well against us and will be even better this season and so will the Spurs thankfully.

[SpursFan86]

I specifically said that we don't need to be terrified of them. I just think it's funny how some people are still scoffing at the idea of the Clippers being a threat. People were saying the exact same thing last year going into the first round..."lol who cares it's the Clippers! They could never beat us with CP-choke and Doc Rivers!"

And then, you know, they did. You can blame it on injuries all you want but no one was worried about injuries until after we lost.

Do I think we'll be better than them next year? Absolutely. I'm just not going to completely dismiss them considering they have one of the best starting lineups in basketball and now it's looking like they'll finally have a solid bench as well.

[timtonymanu]

That series goes 5 games if the Spurs are healthy.

Yep. The Spurs were nowhere near their peak in the playoffs. Seems to be leaving that major detail out.

[BatManu20]

Clippers fans still having nightmares, tbh.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5-B-uz3N9U

[DPG21920]

Clipper surpassing the Lakers as the place guys are forcing their way too/flocking too because of location and chance to win in LA.

[timtonymanu]

I specifically said that we don't need to be terrified of them. I just think it's funny how some people are still scoffing at the idea of the Clippers being a threat. People were saying the exact same thing last year going into the first round..."lol who cares it's the Clippers! They could never beat us with CP-choke and Doc Rivers!"

And then, you know, they did. You can blame it on injuries all you want but no one was worried about injuries until after we lost.

Do I think we'll be better than them next year? Absolutely. I'm just not going to completely dismiss them considering they have one of the best starting lineups in basketball and now it's looking like they'll finally have a solid bench as well.

I'm scoffing at them because after beating us, they proceeded to choke a 3-1 lead against the Rockets in epic fashion. I do think they had a good offseason and should be in the top 3 - 4 seed in the West.

[Spurtacular]

Why is a guy like JS doing vet min deals, tbh? I understand why a centered lunch pail guy like DW does it. But the spastic JS is gonna get X games into the season and realize he shortchanged and shortsheeted himself for a ring he hardly cares about relative to all those millions; and he's gonna go into funk mode.

[Robz4000]

Clippers definitely got better this offseason, but if it comes down to playing one of the Dubs/Meth/Clips I'd take the Clippers.

[timtonymanu]

Clippers definitely got better this offseason, but if it comes down to playing one of the Dubs/Meth/Clips I'd take the Clippers.

Yep, Dubs and a healthy Durant is all that matters.

[benefactor]

This is the team that eliminated the defending champs in the first round incase you forgot. Yes they choked in the next round, but they matchup well against us and will be even better this season and so will the Spurs thankfully.


That series goes 5 games if the Spurs are healthy.

[Quiet Strength]

This is the team that eliminated the defending champs in the first round incase you forgot. Yes they choked in the next round, but they matchup well against us and will be even better this season and so will the Spurs thankfully.

The spurs were injured and pop's coaching was horrible and it still went 7 games. Not worried about them

[TheGoldStandard]

Now while a rotation of

CP3/Rivers
Redick/Crawful
Pierce/Lance/Johnson
Blake/Smith
DJ/Aldrich

isn't too shabby, the Clippers go-to play in crunch time is the double high screen and roll with CP3/Blake/DJ, with Blake popping, DJ rolling, and CP3 reading the defense via triple threat. Now last year, we hid Parker on Barnes, and even then, we dared him to shoot, and that gamble paid off until the last game. Now given that their starting lineup is their closing lineup, and the same applies to us, who do we put Parker on? CP3 is too athletic for him, Redick is always in motion and Parker isn't above average when it comes to getting through screens, and Pierce can post him up. In the end, what I'm basically asking is, how do we defend their now well spaced (Pierce>Barnes) crunch time play?

Theyll just expect Green or Kawhi to cover 2 people and be pissed if they let either of them score.

[Axegrinder]

Why is a guy like JS doing vet min deals, tbh? I understand why a centered lunch pail guy like DW does it. But the spastic JS is gonna get X games into the season and realize he shortchanged and shortsheeted himself for a ring he hardly cares about relative to all those millions; and he's gonna go into funk mode.Hes still getting paid serious bank from Detroit..5 mil per I think so hes not really a min guy

[Axegrinder]

:lolI bet its on over at clutchfans right now:lmao

[spursistan]

Clippers got better depth-wise but i don't think we will be seeing a similar MVP-caliber type of season Paul just had..At 31, with that much of mileage, he will be showing his first signs of decline..

[Spurtacular]

Hes still getting paid serious bank from Detroit..5 mil per I think so hes not really a min guy

That might help. But Smith and Stephenson are buyer beware guys all the same.

[TheGoldStandard]

:lolI bet its on over at clutchfans right now:lmao

Yeah they're reaming Morrey for not doing more this offseason.

[SpursOwn]

I don't like what the Clippers are doing tbh. I still think we beat them, but getting J Smith makes them deeper no doubt. I'd hate having to go through them and possibly taking away tons of our energy to do it, then have to play Golden State, all just to get to the Cavs.

I think we can do it, but shit, I thought we'd take care of them last season in the playoffs too.

[timtonymanu]

:lolI bet its on over at clutchfans right now:lmao

It is. :lol

[TheGreatYacht]

Why is a guy like JS doing vet min deals, tbh? I understand why a centered lunch pail guy like DW does it. But the spastic JS is gonna get X games into the season and realize he shortchanged and shortsheeted himself for a ring he hardly cares about relative to all those millions; and he's gonna go into funk mode.
Josh Smith is earning an additional 5M from the Pistons next season

[UNT Eagles 2016]

So they will at all times have someone on the floor to hack? :lmao
That was my initial reaction.

[TheGreatYacht]

:lolI bet its on over at clutchfans right now:lmao
That site is comedy gold when breakdowns happen :rollin

[ceperez]

Tough matchup, but Spurs efficiency will rule. Pierce is going to be problematic if he's at SF. We have our two defenders busy covering their guards.

[spursistan]

I don't like what the Clippers are doing tbh. I still think we beat them, but getting J Smith makes them deeper no doubt. I'd hate having to go through them and possibly taking away tons of our energy to do it, then have to play Golden State, all just to get to the Cavs.

I think we can do it, but shit, I thought we'd take care of them last season in the playoffs too.

If the Warriors/Spurs/Clippers/OKC lock up top 4 seeds it is going to be bloodbath either way in WCS, which is why getting the top 1 seed will be important this year knowing that will get you at least a softish 1st round against UTah/PHX/Dallas..

[Axegrinder]

That site is comedy gold when breakdowns happen :rollinHaa..even when theres not

[poeticism707]

:ihitWish the Spurs could guy like a like that, that has guts shooting the 3 IN THE PLAYOFFS(see game 7).

Smith >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Bonner ever was.

[Hotspur]

Cheers lads. First post here.

Not worried about that shitter of a black hole named Josh Smith. Overrated player in my mind. A load of bullocks he is.

[SpursFan86]

The problem with them adding Pierce is now we have no one to hide Parker on. We need Green/Kawhi for CP3/Redick. Barnes is nothing but a spot up shooter so putting Parker on him was no problem, but Pierce can actually post up and create a bit for himself. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving Parker on him for long stretches.

[Jdspur20]

Doesn't matter. If he takes shots away from CP3 and Griffin no problem here

[rjv]

Clippers are stacked.


...with a bunch of ball hogging, low IQ ballers.

[Chews]

Good signing for them, IMO, I was worried about them last post-season and looks like I'm going to feel the same this year. Even with us getting better, they have the make-up to match up well with us.

[SpurPadre]

This can either be a total trainwreck for them or it could put them into legit contenders.

[Mr. Body]

That's a good pick up. Their bench was shit. Now it's less shit.

[ThaBigFundamental21]

L.A. has had a great off-season. Smith is flawed, but he is a very good player. Their bench is way better than last year.

[elemento]

Isn't this clown Dwight's BFF ?

Surprised he went to the Clippers tbh

[tholdren]

The Clippers have surpassed the Lakers in Douchey-ness IMO. The Lakers were really only annoying because of Fisher and Phil. Kobe and Shaq were great players.

Now you have the Clippers. A team with a shitty work ethic - a bunch of new-age bruce-jenners. Obsessed with themselves, whining, bitching, crying, and trying to look cool on social media. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are league-backed, so that makes their antics only that much more suspect. Then you have "doc" Rivers. Ultimate cheating douche. Glad the Clippers got Smith. He fits right in with the shit the nba is becoming.

[spursparker9]

:lol

[therealtruth]

So why didn't the Spurs go after him?

[exstatic]

So why didn't the Spurs go after him?

He's a dumbass head case.

[ThaBigFundamental21]

The Clippers have surpassed the Lakers in Douchey-ness IMO. The Lakers were really only annoying because of Fisher and Phil. Kobe and Shaq were great players.

Now you have the Clippers. A team with a shitty work ethic - a bunch of new-age bruce-jenners. Obsessed with themselves, whining, bitching, crying, and trying to look cool on social media. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are league-backed, so that makes their antics only that much more suspect. Then you have "doc" Rivers. Ultimate cheating douche. Glad the Clippers got Smith. He fits right in with the shit the nba is becoming.

Get em!

[spursistan]

So why didn't the Spurs go after him?
He is on all-NBA Anti-Spur team :lol Want no part of him, tbh..

[Aztecfan03]

So why didn't the Spurs go after him?
Im pretty sure he wants more playing time than the spurs can/would give him.

[Mikeanaro]

What about his friendship with Dwert?

[HarlemHeat37]

Clippers got better, they're a legit contender, but I don't know where this "matches up well" notion came from:lol..it took them a buzzer-beater in game 7 in a series where virtually all of their guys played better than they did during the regular season(and in Rivers and Barnes' case, better than they ever have), and virtually all of the Spurs' players had their worst series' in years..

As others have said, with the Clippers roster construction, it could really go either way, it reminds me of the Blazers of the early 2000s/late 90s..Stephenson and Smith are 2 of the 5 biggest cancers in the NBA, they are hit or miss, and throw in Jamal Crawford/Austin Rivers, and that bench is going to be full of chuckers/players that want the ball, it will be interesting to watch how they do it..there's no question they have upgraded in talent, though(although Pierce vs. Barnes is a downgrade with the Clippers IMO, Pierce won't get to play his style with Paul dominating the ball)..

[Mikeanaro]

They are contenders in the West so thats not saying much really, every year we have to play teams like that they aint winning shit.

[diego]

isn't too shabby, the Clippers go-to play in crunch time is the double high screen and roll with CP3/Blake/DJ, with Blake popping, DJ rolling, and CP3 reading the defense via triple threat. Now last year, we hid Parker on Barnes, and even then, we dared him to shoot, and that gamble paid off until the last game. Now given that their starting lineup is their closing lineup, and the same applies to us, who do we put Parker on? CP3 is too athletic for him, Redick is always in motion and Parker isn't above average when it comes to getting through screens, and Pierce can post him up. In the end, what I'm basically asking is, how do we defend their now well spaced (Pierce>Barnes) crunch time play?

IMO pop didnt handle those double high screens right. then and now, just leave parker on paul- force him to do everything and he'll wear out. that far away from the basket, pulling out your best defender just so he can get taken out of the play is exactly what they want, let them take out your worst defender, or wait under the screen at least. paul had a great series but i think you have to turn him into a scorer and wear him out.

I was under the impression that the clippers couldnt sign anyone after the dj saga, they definitely look better on paper, but a lot depends on what doc can get out of them and how pop handles it. last year he basically gave up, as the botched last play confirmed.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Team Basketball IQ of duck butter confirmed.

[cd98]

...with a bunch of ball hogging, low IQ ballers.

Is Chris Paul low ball IQ? Paul Pierce? They didn't look like ball hogs in the playoffs. They pick and rolled us to death.

[Russ]

Clips are the NBA's new Bad Boys. :wow

[Kawhitstorm]

As others have said, with the Clippers roster construction, it could really go either way, it reminds me of the Blazers of the early 2000s/late 90s..Stephenson and Smith are 2 of the 5 biggest cancers in the NBA, they are hit or miss, and throw in Jamal Crawford/Austin Rivers, and that bench is going to be full of chuckers/players that want the ball, it will be interesting to watch how they do it..there's no question they have upgraded in talent, though(although Pierce vs. Barnes is a downgrade with the Clippers IMO, Pierce won't get to play his style with Paul dominating the ball)..

With their new additions, I was also reminded of the post-1999-00 Blazers who never recovered after choking in the '00 WCF:
-Pierce = Pippen
-Josh Smith = Kemp
-Lance = Bonzi

[RayTdropout]

Feck the clippers

[Uriel]

If Smith was looking to sign with a contender and willing to play for the minimum, why didn't he just choose the Spurs? David West did it before him, and his presence would've made an already stacked roster absolutely phenomenal.

He would've had a defined role here, too. The Spurs are looking for a veteran wing, and they can do a lot worse than Smith.

[benefactor]

If Smith was looking to sign with a contender and willing to play for the minimum, why didn't he just choose the Spurs? David West did it before him, and his presence would've made an already stacked roster absolutely phenomenal.

He would've had a defined role here, too. The Spurs are looking for a veteran wing, and they can do a lot worse than Smith.
Probably because the Spurs don't need another PF...much less one that's a cancer.

[exstatic]

If Smith was looking to sign with a contender and willing to play for the minimum, why didn't he just choose the Spurs? David West did it before him, and his presence would've made an already stacked roster absolutely phenomenal.

He would've had a defined role here, too. The Spurs are looking for a veteran wing, and they can do a lot worse than Smith.
:lol. You can't be serious. If you constructed one player with every trait the Spurs hate, and will never tolerate, it would be Josh Smith. He's a huge baby who has improved almost nothing in his game since being drafted, preferring instead to rely on athleticism that is mere minutes from deserting him.

[dbestpro]

Is Chris Paul low ball IQ? Paul Pierce? They didn't look like ball hogs in the playoffs. They pick and rolled us to death.

The chemistry in Clipper land will not be pretty. Stephenson is a chucker. You pass him the ball you won't get it back. Jordan and Smith are going to get fouled all day. The three of them combined have the lowest BBIQ in the league of any trio. Reddick, and Pierce, there best shooters, will never see the ball. The have no SF defender, and the only thing that do better than any other team in the league is whine.

[rjv]

Is Chris Paul low ball IQ? Paul Pierce? They didn't look like ball hogs in the playoffs. They pick and rolled us to death.

Jordan, Smith and Stephenson are. CP3 and Griffith are known to make stupid ass mistakes in critical moments.

[dbestpro]

Clips are the NBA's new Bad Boys. :wow

Bad boys don't whine.

[Uriel]

Probably because the Spurs don't need another PF...much less one that's a cancer.

:lol. You can't be serious. If you constructed one player with every trait the Spurs hate, and will never tolerate, it would be Josh Smith. He's a huge baby who has improved almost nothing in his game since being drafted, preferring instead to rely on athleticism that is mere minutes from deserting him.
While that may be true, it hasn't prevented our front office from expressing interest in Josh Smith in the past (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/2/12/3980822/nba-trade-rumors-2013-josh-smith-spurs).

Smith's character is deeply flawed. But he has excellent size, is extremely athletic, and is very versatile. And there's no better coach in the NBA that could police him than Pop. If he gets his head on straight, there's no question Smith would make the Spurs a better team. At the very least, he would've made a better signing than Bonner.

[cd98]

Jordan, Smith and Stephenson are. CP3 and Griffith are known to make stupid ass mistakes in critical moments.

Free throw shooting may be a problem. But you can't assume they won't play team ball. Paul will make sure they do. All players make mistakes. Manu is an all time great, and he's made some dumb mistakes in big games. Fortunately the Spurs will take the Clippers more seriously than Spurs fans. Fortunately we probably won't play them in first round again.

[RayTdropout]

Still dont get how they beat us but lost to rockets. Should of atleast made it to wcf

[exstatic]

While that may be true, it hasn't prevented our front office from expressing interest in Josh Smith in the past (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/2/12/3980822/nba-trade-rumors-2013-josh-smith-spurs).

Smith's character is deeply flawed. But he has excellent size, is extremely athletic, and is very versatile. And there's no better coach in the NBA that could police him than Pop. If he gets his head on straight, there's no question Smith would make the Spurs a better team. At the very least, he would've made a better signing than Bonner.

When did they ever legitimately express interest in Josh Smith? Agents float this shit all of the time. Doesn't make it true.

[SpursFan86]

Josh Smith was absolutely a cancer in Detroit...but he was solid in Houston, and showed he was willing to come off the bench without causing problems.

It's not even a matter of guys like Stephenson/Smith/Aldrich being that good...it's just LAC's bench was so god-awful last year that any halfway competent player is a noticeable upgrade. Hopefully Stephenson plays like he did in Charlotte and not Indiana :lol Dude was fucking terrible last year.

[hater]

blake needs less shots early in game he gets gassed to early
good signing if everyone will stay happy only one ball

[Kawhitstorm]

Still dont get how they beat us but lost to rockets. Should of atleast made it to wcf

The Clippers run out of gas after playing a grueling 7 game series against none other than the Spurs & couldn't handle the pace when the Rockets put the pedal to the metal. They essentially started taking breaks on defense & committing silly turnovers that could be attributed to fatigue. They weren't mentally strong enough to overcome the fatigue; "Mind over Matter" just doesn't apply to the Clippers.

[dabom]

I can't compare Enrique to JS anymore. JS showed he not a piece of shit cancer anymore. :lmao

[ceperez]

Still dont get how they beat us but lost to rockets. Should of atleast made it to wcf

pure exhaustion.

[daslicer]

It drives me nuts how people over hype Lance Stephenson. This guy is pure garbage I watched a lot of his games this year since the Hornets are my home team. I know people are going to say it's the hornets so of course he was going to suck but my response to that is bullshit reason for his sucking. The damning part of Lance's tenure with the Hornets was that he actually tried and played hard but still sucked dick. Lance's jumpshot is terrible and by comparison makes Rondo's J look great. Lance gets too much hype for his confrontations with Lebron. Lance is a system player that looked decent in Vogel's system.

[Uriel]

When did they ever legitimately express interest in Josh Smith? Agents float this shit all of the time. Doesn't make it true.
I provided a link in my post. The source is Yahoo! Sports, which, if I'm not mistaken, is a fairly reputable source.

[benefactor]

http://deadspin.com/the-clippers-are-going-to-be-crazy-next-year-and-fun-1718416657

[Vokun]

Yeah, it looks good on paper. But wait till Smith or Lance take it upon themselves to try and take over a game, stopping ball movement and pissing Baby Paul off. I see this ending in a trainwreck.

[VBM]

That series goes 5 games if the Spurs are healthy.

Good thing Parker and Ginobili never go into the playoffs banged up...http://www.thecoli.com/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/comeon.png

We got DunGawd and LMA to handle business though http://www.thecoli.com/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/sass1.png

[HarlemHeat37]

Clippers were the best offensive team in the NBA last year, and 2 of their 3 key additions are offensive-minded, while their only key defensive addition(Smith) will not be playing in clutch time..

They are a below average to bad defensive team, it is still their major flaw..

[SuperCam]

When spurs sign old washed up David West for backup depth, it's a semen party in here.

When Clippers sign Josh Smith for depth and rest for player who shits on spurs before getting gassed, it's crapped on


Don't change Spursfan :downspin:

[SuperCam]

Lester Hudson and Hedo turkoglu were getting real playoff minutes for LAC last season. They signed Jsmoove to make sure things like that don't ever happen again. You have to view it from that context

[KaiRMD1]

And the Rockets look weak now smh

[exstatic]

I provided a link in my post. The source is Yahoo! Sports, which, if I'm not mistaken, is a fairly reputable source.

Well, it wasn't Woj, so I take it a bit less seriously. In addition, at that point, JS was an ending contract. That has it's own attractions that have nothing to do with the player in question.

[spurtech09]

Title contenders lol....

[kobyz]

How spurs fans keep being homers and cocky and keep telling them self stories about that clippers just beating the spurs last playoff does not mean much and how clippers making upgrade is not a worry... Pathetic, spurs fans never learn!

[Vokun]

When spurs sign old washed up David West for backup depth, it's a semen party in here.

When Clippers sign Josh Smith for depth and rest for player who shits on spurs before getting gassed, it's crapped on


Don't change Spursfan :downspin:
Coming from a sorry ass Carolina franchise. Bobcats suck, Panthers suck, Cam Newton is the most overrated QB in the league, y'all paid $100+ mil for a below average QB, and the Bobcats still suck :lmao

[DeRozan m8]

How spurs fans keep being homers and cocky and keep telling them self stories about that clippers just beating the spurs last playoff does not mean much and how clippers making upgrade is not a worry... Pathetic, spurs fans never learn!


Yeah okay faggot

[Sean Cagney]

How spurs fans keep being homers and cocky and keep telling them self stories about that clippers just beating the spurs last playoff does not mean much and how clippers making upgrade is not a worry... Pathetic, spurs fans never learn!
Oh they are good man, they got better this off season as well and those saying not worried or this or that are fooling themselves. They are a very good team and can beat you in a series, they will be a top 3 team out West easily IMO.

[Fireball]

Oh they are good man, they got better this off season as well and those saying not worried or this or that are fooling themselves. They are a very good team and can beat you in a series, they will be a top 3 team out West easily IMO.

So I am not the only one thinking that ...

[pookenstein]

CP3 and Griffith are known to make stupid ass mistakes in critical moments.

So does/did Manu. Do you thik he has a low bball-IQ?

[Sean Cagney]

So I am not the only one thinking that ...

Well after last year when they were a higher seed and beat the Spurs in the playoffs anyone with half a brain would realize they are a threat out West. They were up 3-1 and should have been in the WCF, so no I hope me and you (And Kobyz) are not the only ones that think they will be a force. I wish Jordan had bolted personally and they were left in shambles, but him coming back and Pierce (Now this as well) make them even better than last years team and they have chemistry as well going in sides the new parts which were an upgrade over what they had. They will be very good, if they gel with that talent scary.

[Aztecfan03]

Oh they are good man, they got better this off season as well and those saying not worried or this or that are fooling themselves. They are a very good team and can beat you in a series, they will be a top 3 team out West easily IMO.
i don't think you ca say easy. there is GS,SA,OKC with MEM and HOU being wild cards.

[San Antonio Slayer]

i don't think you ca say easy. there is GS,SA,OKC with MEM and HOU being wild cards.

i'd pick SA and LAC over GS just because GS can't repeat in such a western conference next year. OKC is way overrated. MEM and HOU would be the same. Feel sorry for Dallas.

[Sean Cagney]

i don't think you ca say easy. there is GS,SA,OKC with MEM and HOU being wild cards.

Either or they are dangerous and a threat and those who dont think so are fooling themselves. The West will be very tough to come out of...

[Sean Cagney]

i'd pick SA and LAC over GS just because GS can't repeat in such a western conference next year. OKC is way overrated. MEM and HOU would be the same. Feel sorry for Dallas.

Cot damn me and a friend at work were talking Slayer the other week and I remember a skateboard sone dude gave me as a youngin had the sign in your avi drawn on it and it stuck out... I as a kid was scared of it though lol, thought of it as the devil..

[San Antonio Slayer]

Cot damn me and a friend at work were talking Slayer the other week and I remember a skateboard sone dude gave me as a youngin had the sign in your avi drawn on it and it stuck out... I as a kid was scared of it though lol, thought of it as the devil..

If you don't listen to Slayer you can just fucking die man...)))))))))
Passed away Slayer member Jeff Hanneman (r.i.p.) once said that he didn't understand why it's forbidden to knock someone out who's getting to the hoop in basketball (he was a big hockey fan)

[Vic Petro]

While that may be true, it hasn't prevented our front office from expressing interest in Josh Smith in the past (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/2/12/3980822/nba-trade-rumors-2013-josh-smith-spurs).

Smith's character is deeply flawed. But he has excellent size, is extremely athletic, and is very versatile. And there's no better coach in the NBA that could police him than Pop. If he gets his head on straight, there's no question Smith would make the Spurs a better team. At the very least, he would've made a better signing than Bonner.

Even if the Spurs would entertain adding this guy (they wouldn't - your link notwithstanding), why would he want to be a 6th big?

[San Antonio Slayer]

Even if the Spurs would entertain adding this guy (they wouldn't - your link notwithstanding), why would he want to be a 6th big?
i am sure he can play small forward. better be 2nd SF behind Kawhi in SAS than 2nd PF behind Blake in LAC.

[Sean Cagney]

If you don't listen to Slayer you can just fucking die man...)))))))))
Passed away Slayer member Jeff Hanneman (r.i.p.) once said that he didn't understand why it's forbidden to knock someone out who's getting to the hoop in basketball (he was a big hockey fan)

Ahhh and he is right... Just read an interview tonight they did and it was interesting.

[Aztecfan03]

i am sure he can play small forward. better be 2nd SF behind Kawhi in SAS than 2nd PF behind Blake in LAC.
Better to be 2nd PF behind Blake AND 2nd SF behind Pierce(stephenson is better fit at SG)

[Vokun]

I can't believe y'all actually sweatin the Clippers. How much y'all wanna bet that the Clips aren't a threat and won't even make it past the 2nd round? I'll listen to any offers.

[San Antonio Slayer]

Better to be 2nd PF behind Blake AND 2nd SF behind Pierce(stephenson is better fit at SG)

how about being 2nd SF behind Kawhi with Mills and Manu vs 2nd PF/SF with Rivers and Crawford?

[tatteredprince]

we are still better over all imo

[benefactor]

Good thing Parker and Ginobili never go into the playoffs banged up...http://www.thecoli.com/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/comeon.png

We got DunGawd and LMA to handle business though http://www.thecoli.com/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/sass1.png
:tu

Based Patty should be back to 100% this year too...so if Parker eats the production out of himself again he can take up the slack.

[BillMc]

Josh and Lance....lots of talent, but Doc has his work cut out for him with the personalities. Clips will be good though, no doubt about it.

[Chillen]

They have a solid team, taking them lightly would be stupid. If the Spurs stay healthy they should make the WCF's and more than likely one of Warriors/OKC/Grizz/Clippers will be there waiting for them.

[tatteredprince]

what a battle for the West this year, as usual

Spurs
Warriors
Clippers
Thunder

then

Grizzlies
Rockets
Pelicans could make some noise too

[tatteredprince]

the Clippers could become the Miami Heat of the West (athletic wise), during the Heat Lebron era

[tatteredprince]

lets see how we stack up

Duncan against DeAndre?
LaMarcus vs Blake
Kawhi vs Pierce (Finals MVP vs Finals MVP)
Parker vs Paul
JJ Reddick vs DGreen

pretty even??

DWest vs who??
Stephenson vs Manu?
Jamal vs Mills
Diaw vs Josh Smith (Diaw has edge in bball IQ)

and then

Marjanovic?? hahahaha

so seems pretty even, what do you think guys?

specific match-ups analysis, pls

[tatteredprince]

our edge against the Clippers then seems to be frontline depth still

Diaw and DWest must emerge against them

[Spurtacular]

How spurs fans keep being homers and cocky and keep telling them self stories about that clippers just beating the spurs last playoff does not mean much and how clippers making upgrade is not a worry... Pathetic, spurs fans never learn!

Smith is not that great of a signing. He plays the 4--the same position as Blake. He's not going to take many meaningful minutes in the playoffs unless he's playing the 3 (instead of Pierce). In that scenario, Kawhi will shred him. Or we can put Danny Green on Smith (like he guarded Durant in Gm 6 of the 2014 WCF) and put Kawhi on Paul.

[cd98]

Griffin, Jordon, Josh Smith, and Big Baby Davis....that's pretty good front court depth. Clippers wing depth is questionable. Pierce is crafty, but he's not Kawhi good. Stephenson is combustible, but he can make a difference on offense and defense. He's good when he's not expected to be the man. And Paul, Reddick, Crawford, and Rivers is a good backcourt with decent depth. Clips will be a contender. And if they are a top 4 seed, which is highly likely, then they are a threat to go deep into the playoffs.

[hater]

So does/did Manu. Do you thik he has a low bball-IQ?

Boom. Nuked

[ginobilized]

West vs Smith could be epic playoff nastiness, I wanna see that
I'll make an early prediction, if Clips/Spurs meet in playoffs Josh Smith gets thrown out of at least 1 game
probably suspended for a game, too

Good move for Clippers, though

[100%duncan]

Non-issue. West is still gsw spurs okc

[tholdren]

Losing Matt Barnes was more significant than picking up Josh Smith. They have no toughness.

[skulls138]

But they also have Pierce and Stephenson.

[Killakobe81]

Coming from a sorry ass Carolina franchise. Bobcats suck, Panthers suck, Cam Newton is the most overrated QB in the league, y'all paid $100+ mil for a below average QB, and the Bobcats still suck :lmao

So you attack his City's teams but not the content of what he wrote? Again when did Spur fan (most) become Lakerfan (most)?

[ceperez]

lets see how we stack up

Duncan against DeAndre?
LaMarcus vs Blake
Kawhi vs Pierce (Finals MVP vs Finals MVP)
Parker vs Paul
JJ Reddick vs DGreen

pretty even??

DWest vs who??
Stephenson vs Manu?
Jamal vs Mills
Diaw vs Josh Smith (Diaw has edge in bball IQ)

and then

Marjanovic?? hahahaha

so seems pretty even, what do you think guys?

specific match-ups analysis, pls

My concern is that Spurs can't really shut them down unless Parker sits.

Best way to play Clippers is to shut down Chris Paul, but if Spurs do that, they have an issue with Pierce.

Spurs could have beaten Clippers last year but Doc figured out the problem, we was over extending his starting five. So when he started resting them, they had enough gas left to survive.

That's really the game now, teams should have enough fire power for 48 minutes.

I think the weakness of the Clippers may be that they have two players that Spurs are willing to hack-a-XXX. Jordan and Smith.

Though the second team is a lot more capable now with:

Aldridge
Smith
Stephenson
Crawford
Wesley Johnson

The worry is that Manu with his declining age isn't going to be able to cover Stephenson, Crawford or Wesley Johnson. Mills and McCallum are too small. Anderson is too slow.

Spurs need more athletic wings.

[cd021]

So they will at all times have someone on the floor to hack? :lmao

Pop might faint with all the possiblities.

[TheGoldStandard]

Hopefully Pop won't start hacking when we're up 10

[tatteredprince]

Probably Simmons then should be groomed against athletic teams like the Clippers, Cavs, etc....

never underestimate hunger and passion, Simmons may be a gem in the making, who knows?

i think the front office will roll with the current roster, and then evaluate midseason if we need someone else

what do you think guys?

[tatteredprince]

West vs Smith could be epic playoff nastiness, I wanna see that
I'll make an early prediction, if Clips/Spurs meet in playoffs Josh Smith gets thrown out of at least 1 game
probably suspended for a game, too

Good move for Clippers, though

---------------------

im going for the veteran DWest in this one

(theres something wrong with Josh Smith's psyche, the guys is an incredible athlete but for some reason destroys team chem)

--------------------------------

and by the way, i thought Josh Smith was the best friend of Howard?? he coudnt prevent him from leaving? i dont get it

[$pursDynasty]

Non-issue. West is still gsw spurs okc
Actually I add the Clips to this list for a Four Horsemen of the West, as opposed to the East which is LBJ and then a bunch of inferior teams. Yet the Horsemen have issues of their own, will KD ever be the same again, did the stars align for the dubs or are they that good, how quickly will the Spurs integrate Aldridge and how good will our bench be? For the Clips I will question their hearts and brains until they prove otherwise.

[tatteredprince]

However, i just realized it is imperative we have the number one seed this time.....just a gut feel....

all variables considering.

[cd021]

My concern is that Spurs can't really shut them down unless Parker sits.

Best way to play Clippers is to shut down Chris Paul, but if Spurs do that, they have an issue with Pierce.

Spurs could have beaten Clippers last year but Doc figured out the problem, we was over extending his starting five. So when he started resting them, they had enough gas left to survive.

That's really the game now, teams should have enough fire power for 48 minutes.

I think the weakness of the Clippers may be that they have two players that Spurs are willing to hack-a-XXX. Jordan and Smith.

Though the second team is a lot more capable now with:

Aldridge
Smith
Stephenson
Crawford
Wesley Johnson

The worry is that Manu with his declining age isn't going to be able to cover Stephenson, Crawford or Wesley Johnson. Mills and McCallum are too small. Anderson is too slow.

Spurs need more athletic wings.

Spurs lost last season because their two primary play making guards were no shows. Pop had to choose between Parker/Mills or Ginobili/Beli. Mills and Beli were superior to Parker and Manu but neither can run an offense forcing Duncan, Diaw and Leonard to carry that responsibility.

The Clippers are much improved

Paul/Rivers
Reddick/Crawford
Stephenson/Pierce
Griffin/Smith
Jordan/Davis

Thats a solid ten man rotation, granted Rivers and Crawford are either good or awful depending on the game. They still have flaws. Lan has potential to be a big improvement over Barnes but is a proven nutcase and is coming off the worst 3pt shooting season in NBA history, Barnes at least was a 37% 3pt shooter. He could kill their spacing allowing Leonard to play a couple of steps off of him.

Griffin will either have to guard an top PF(If Griffin is 2nd behind Anthony Davis, Aldridge is probably 3rd on a PF power ranking) in Aldridge or Duncan who can exploit him in the post. Duncan dominated Jordan last season (18 ppg on 58% FG). Diaw should be able to post Smith and West can be a threat from outside of the paint.

Green had moments where he was very effective against Paul defensively. Green wasn't good offensively until that big time Game 7. Leonard shutdown Reddick, which was a great move by Pop. Clippers really only have to great 3pt shooters and shutting down one of them limits their explosiveness offensively (they draw ton of free throws but were 28th in percentage last season) Leonard was excellent in the first four games before disappearing. He figures to better the second time around.

I don't think Wes Johnson will be a rotation player come playoff time. Ginobili is still decent guarding off ball. Their bench is heavily dependent on two wildly inconsistent players. Smith, despite a red hot conference finals from 3 (5 3pt A per game, hitting 40% of them) he is still a poor three point shooter. For a PF he's decent there but takes two many of them.

Spurs have the better stating unit and bench in my opinion.

It will be interesting to see the Spurs closing unit next season.

Parker/Manu
Green
Leonard
Aldridge
Duncan

or

Parker/Manu
Green
Leonard
Diaw
Aldridge

that second unit would be scary, especially offensively, with five three point shooters and still capable of playing solid defense.

[tatteredprince]

:bobo

[tatteredprince]

:whine

[kobyz]

Smith is not that great of a signing. He plays the 4--the same position as Blake. He's not going to take many meaningful minutes in the playoffs unless he's playing the 3 (instead of Pierce). In that scenario, Kawhi will shred him. Or we can put Danny Green on Smith (like he guarded Durant in Gm 6 of the 2014 WCF) and put Kawhi on Paul.

Smith could also play with Blake while Deandre resting, Smith make them more dynamic overall... but the biggest thing with the Clippers matchup is that Doc has Pop number, he know how to take control of the flow of the game against him...

[VTRAIN]

It will be a great match up, but I really think the hi low that the spurs will be able to run with Duncan and Aldridge will just be to much to handle.

[San Antonio Slayer]

Main difference and advantage for us is Aldridge and West can score in the low post or hit contested shots from perimeter in one-on-one clutch situations. They can draw fouls and make opponent's bigs work hard defensively. With all respect to Timmy and Diaw - they could do it only at times against LAC. The same is with Chris Paul. I hope Tony will be healthy enough to make Paul puking in the defense...at last

[cd98]

Main difference and advantage for us is Aldridge and West can score in the low post or hit contested shots from perimeter in one-on-one clutch situations. They can draw fouls and make opponent's bigs work hard defensively. With all respect to Timmy and Diaw - they could do it only at times against LAC. The same is with Chris Paul. I hope Tony will be healthy enough to make Paul puking in the defense...at last

Actually, I think Timmy scored just fine. Replacing Splitter/Baynes with Aldrige/Duncan/West will be huge. When Diaw left the floor, LA ignored Splitter/Baynes. Having 5 scorers will change the game. But LA now has a formidable bench and some depth at SF, so hard to tell as of yet which team is better.

[ceperez]

Actually, I think Timmy scored just fine. Replacing Splitter/Baynes with Aldrige/Duncan/West will be huge. When Diaw left the floor, LA ignored Splitter/Baynes. Having 5 scorers will change the game. But LA now has a formidable bench and some depth at SF, so hard to tell as of yet which team is better.

Indeed odd that the worry here is about not the reigning champion, not the Thunder (always a hurdle for the Spurs) but the Clippers!

Jordan was a monster in that all the easy layups (actually Spitter's layups) were contested. I'm surprised that at Duncan's advanced age that he's still able to post him up.

Splitter, Bonner, Diaw were either too slow (injured) or too small to contest Griffin.

Pierce is an upgrade from Barnes from a half court game, but he could be a liability if the Spurs start running.

Reddick is an extremely hard cover in that you have to really cover him when gets a screen.

Paul needs to be covered by a long atheletic player, fortunately we have Leonard, Green and hopefull Simmons is up to the challenge.

Crawford and Stephenson could also be very problematic with their ability to create for themselves.

What scares me about the Clippers is that the Spurs had such a hard time creating separation. But maybe that's because Tony and Tiago were both playing injured.

[MaNu4Tres]

More talented inefficiency added.

[MaNu4Tres]

Pierce isn't a better fit than Barnes. IMO

Barnes was their best perimeter defender and played a Bowen role for that team. He was a big reason Leonard had a bad series. Pierce can't even move defensively anymore, and his role will be to spot up and play off CP3 and Griffin. If his role entails more responsibility than Barnes' was offensively, then Clippers are just doing the opposition a favor taking the ball out of the hands of Chris Paul and Griffin.

And that Clippers team that beat the Spurs maximized CP3 and Griffin's touches for 40+ minutes a game. That's why they were so hard to stop. They never sat and played with incredible efficiency. That is impossible to be the case if Clippers intend on giving Stephenson/Pierce and Josh Smith prominent roles offensively. Spurs can guard those guys just fine.

But I do agree, Stephenson and Smith are improvements over Hawes and Hedo. But here's the thing that people forget, Hawes and Hedo were never in the equation vs. the Spurs to begin with. They barely played and took zero touches/ shots away from CP3, Griffin, Redick. The Clippers starters played almost the entire game and they could do that because of Pop's hack a Jordan during stints in games -- it allowed them to catch their wind and conserve their energy.

I think the moves will help Clippers throughout the regular season and it will help improve their record. But in the playoffs, when every possession counts and when teams have to be as efficient as possible every possession, I don't see Clippers improving that much if Stephenson and Smith have significant roles and take 10-12 shots each per game.

[b23]

His free throw shooting will be a great asset to the Spurs come playoffs (as well as the regular season). As will Deandre Jordans.

[Hoops Czar]

Funny how many clown posters knock this signing but, praise the David West signing. Smith is still only 29, and a pretty good defender who can come off the and contribute in a variety of different ways (scoring, rebounding, blocking shots, etc). He has all the incentive in the world to play well this season because of the rising cap. If he plays well, he could be in line for a big payday. This is an absolute steal for the Clippers.

[TheMulletMan3000]

Good. Less shots for CP3 and Blake. Let him chuck away.

He will chuck them out of games which will be fun


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZhrwS5W2Xk
Favourite Josh Smith moment. Can't wait to see faces of CP3 and Doc when he doe's that :lol

[MaNu4Tres]

Funny how many clown posters knock this signing but, praise the David West signing. Smith is still only 29, and a pretty good defender who can come off the and contribute in a variety of different ways (scoring, rebounding, blocking shots, etc). He has all the incentive in the world to play well this season because of the rising cap. If he plays well, he could be in line for a big payday. This is an absolute steal for the Clippers.

Just because it's a steal or a good pick up, doesn't mean it improves them dramatically. There's more variables to it than just a name and talent. Heaven forbid critiques and concerns about inefficient additions the Clippers added.

[Hoops Czar]

Just because it's a steal or a good pick up, doesn't mean it improves them dramatically. There's more variables to it than just a name and talent. Heaven forbid critiques and concerns about inefficient additions the Clippers added.
He doesn't have to improve them dramatically. Have we already forgotten that the Clippers were one win away from the WCF's last year. West is 36 and coming off a pretty underwhelming season. I don't think his impact is going to be as great as so many fans here are suggesting either.

[MaNu4Tres]

It doesn't have to improve them dramatically. Have we already forgotten that the Clippers were one win away from the WCF's last year. West is 36 and coming off a pretty underwhelming season. I don't think his impact is going to be as great as so many fans here are suggesting either.

First of all, this isn't a David West thread.

And West is 35 years old. West isn't going to be asked to do too much and I don't think anyone expects him to come out and give the Spurs 30 minutes a night of 12 and 8 like he did in Indiana. He'll be the 4th big off the bench. Tim/LMA will see over 33-35 mpg each when it matters in May/June.

And West has always been an efficient, team oriented player, who can pass, shoot and make smart decisions. He's been known to have one of the best mid-range jumpers in the game for the past 9 seasons for big men. Not to mention he shot 50% from 15-23 feet out last year according to bball reference. It doesn't take a rocket science to see how his efficiency and floor spacing can have a positive effect on the Spurs' overall efficiency in the limited minutes he will recieve.

Josh Smith, while talented, has been anything but an efficient and effective team oriented player. There's a reason why Hawks let him go, there's a reason why Pistons cut him. I'm not saying the move is terrible, it's probably the best the Clips could do to improve their front court from a strict talent perspective. It's a fact that he's been an inefficient, dumb player at times and that's something that's fair to critique.

You can read this again to get a better understanding of my reasons:

Pierce isn't a better fit than Barnes. IMO

Barnes was their best perimeter defender and played a Bowen role for that team. He was a big reason Leonard had a bad series. Pierce can't even move defensively anymore, and his role will be to spot up and play off CP3 and Griffin. If his role entails more responsibility than Barnes' was offensively, then Clippers are just doing the opposition a favor taking the ball out of the hands of Chris Paul and Griffin.

And that Clippers team that beat the Spurs maximized CP3 and Griffin's touches for 40+ minutes a game. That's why they were so hard to stop. They never sat and played with incredible efficiency. That is impossible to be the case if Clippers intend on giving Stephenson/Pierce and Josh Smith prominent roles offensively. Spurs can guard those guys just fine.

But I do agree, Stephenson and Smith are improvements over Hawes and Hedo. But here's the thing that people forget, Hawes and Hedo were never in the equation vs. the Spurs to begin with. They barely played and took zero touches/ shots away from CP3, Griffin, Redick. The Clippers starters played almost the entire game and they could do that because of Pop's hack a Jordan during stints in games -- it allowed them to catch their wind and conserve their energy.

I think the moves will help Clippers throughout the regular season and it will help improve their record. But in the playoffs, when every possession counts and when teams have to be as efficient as possible every possession, I don't see Clippers improving that much if Stephenson and Smith have significant roles and take 10-12 shots each per game.

[Hoops Czar]

First of all, this isn't a David West thread.

And West is 35 years old. West isn't going to be asked to do too much and I don't think anyone expects him to come out and give the Spurs 30 minutes a night of 12 and 8 like he did in Indiana. He'll be the 4th big off the bench. Tim/LMA will see over 33-35 mpg each when it matters in May/June.

And West has always been an efficient, team oriented player, who can pass, shoot and make smart decisions. He's been known to have one of the best mid-range jumpers in the game for the past 9 seasons for big men. Not to mention he shot 50% from 15-23 feet out last year according to bball reference. It doesn't take a rocket science to see how his efficiency and floor spacing can have a positive effect on the Spurs' overall efficiency in the limited minutes he will recieve.

Josh Smith, while talented, has been anything but an efficient and effective team oriented player. There's a reason why Hawks let him go, there's a reason why Pistons cut him. I'm not saying the move is terrible, it's probably the best the Clips could do to improve their front court from a strict talent perspective. It's a fact that he's been an inefficient, dumb player at times and that's something that's fair to critique.

You can read this again to get a better understanding of my reasons:

First of all, you didn't actually read my initial post then. I brought up David West so it shouldn't have been a complete shock to you when I brought him up in my second post. The Pacers were actually a better team when West was on the bench. Conversely, The Rockets were a much better team with Josh Smith on the floor. I'm not advocating for either one of these players. I'm just stating the facts. West might be very good at hitting mid range jumpers but how many of them is he going to give up? With West, you need to break down his efficiency into 2 halves. His offensive efficiency is much better than his defensive efficiency.

Smith was hardly an albatross in Atlanta. He was making superstar money but, wasn't giving Atlanta superstar returns. In other words, he wasn't worth his contract and they didn't feel he was worth maxing out. He played very well in Houston though. No, he's not the most efficient player but, he provides depth and for the minimum, the Clippers get a solid bench contributor who can play on both ends of the court.. I'll have to see how it all plays out but overall, I think the Clippers have more depth going into the season than the Spurs. Of course, I have no idea what kind of production the Spurs are going to get from the likes of Boban, Simmons and KA and to a lesser degree Parker and Manu.

[Spurtacular]

Smith could also play with Blake while Deandre resting, Smith make them more dynamic overall... but the biggest thing with the Clippers matchup is that Doc has Pop number, he know how to take control of the flow of the game against him...

If the Clips want to go small against our towers, it's their funeral.

[MaNu4Tres]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--clippers-gauged-trade-interest-for-lance-stephenson--josh-smith-035806861.html

How's that off-season going?

Most overrated off-season of the summer.. tbh.

[Mr. Body]

Clippers are a basketcase, overly emotional, extremely fragile team. Adding two basketball morons (at best) was never gonna work.

[timtonymanu]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--clippers-gauged-trade-interest-for-lance-stephenson--josh-smith-035806861.html

How's that off-season going?

Most overrated off-season of the summer.. tbh.

:lol even someone in here hyped up the Cole Aldrich signing for them and he's done about as much as Spencer Hawes.

[SpursFan86]

:lol even someone in here hyped up the Cole Aldrich signing for them and he's done about as much as Spencer Hawes.

Ehh I'll be honest and say I thought Aldrich would be a decent pickup :lol

To be fair though, it looks like he hasn't even gotten a chance. He was fairly solid the previous two years in NY, but now he's only played a total of 17 minutes this year. Looks like Doc is staggering DeAndre/Blake at center and only using Josh Smith as the backup PF.

[TD 21]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--clippers-gauged-trade-interest-for-lance-stephenson--josh-smith-035806861.html

How's that off-season going?

Most overrated off-season of the summer.. tbh.

They have nine new players, the majority of the prominent ones were never going to be hand in glove fits and many of them are eccentric personalities, too. This was always going to take time and always going to be boom or bust.

That being said, they're not going to win the championship, but they never were, whether they made minor or major changes. The thing I liked then and still do now, is that they managed to raise their ceiling without lowering their floor and did so with virtually no trade assets or financial flexibility.